Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 19 Dec 2011

1. NORTH KOREA'S KIM JONG-IL DIES

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has died at the age of 69, state-run television has announced. Mr Kim, who had led the nation since 1994, suffered a massive heart attack on a train. His successor is expected to be his third son, Kim Jong-un, who is believed to be in his late 20s.

'Dear Leader' Kim Jong-il dies on trip to 'give guidance' to workers

2. PM PRESSES ON WITH MARITAL TAX PLAN

David Cameron remains determined to introduce a marital tax allowance before the next general election despite Nick Clegg's attack on the policy yesterday. Clegg accused the Tories of trying to "micromanage" people's lives with the reform. The issue draws a fresh dividing line between the coalition parties.

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Tax breaks: it's not state's job to encourage marriage

3. 'BLACK PANTHER' NEILSON DIES

Donald Neilson, convicted of multiple murders in the mid-1970s, has died at 75 while serving a life sentence at Norwich Prison. His victims included three sub-postmasters and a 17-year-old girl, Lesley Whittle. He was known

as the Black Panther after witness descriptions of his dark clothing and powerful frame.

4. VACLAV HAVEL TO LIE IN STATE

The body of deceased Czech Republic president Vaclav Havel will be moved today from his cottage to Prague, where it will lie in state. A state funeral is expected to take place on Friday. US President Barack Obama said Havel "helped to unleash tides of history that led to a democratic Europe".

Tributes for playwright president Vaclav Havel, 1936 – 2011

5. KRANKIES REVEAL 'SWINGING' PAST

Children's TV stars The Krankies have revealed details of their private lives including 'swingers' parties in the 1970s and 80s. Ian and Janette Tough, stars of 80s BBC kids' show Crackerjack, confessed to al fresco romps on golf courses. Mr Tough also said he once punched magician Paul Daniels.

Fans horrified as Krankies admit they were swingers

6. TIGHTER MORTGAGE RULES PLANNED

New rules to prevent a revival of 'risky mortgage' lending are expected to be introduced by the Financial Services Authority. The regulator is aiming to impose "common sense" standards to stop home buyers from borrowing more than they can afford, to avoid another loans crash.

7. HAMAS 'WILL DROP TERROR'

Hamas will shift from terrorism to non-violent resistance against Israel, a spokesman has told The Guardian. The change of tactics is part of a deal with the Palestinian Authority. As part of the agreement, all factions in Gaza have promised to stop firing rockets and mortars into Israel.

8. THIERRY HENRY 'COULD RETURN TO ARSENAL'

Thierry Henry, the Arsenal striker who scored a club record 174 goals in 254 league appearances before he left for Barcelona, could make a temporary comeback after Christmas, according to a report in The Times. Henry would be a back-up while two strikers take part in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Thierry Henry 'ready to rejoin Arsenal as Van Persie back-up'

9. SAAB FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY

Car-maker Saab has filed for bankruptcy in Sweden. When General Motors sold the company to Swedish Automobile in 2010, it retained the technology licences. A Chinese company was prepared to come to the rescue of Saab - but GM has blocked the Chinese gaining to access to its technologies.

Saab files for bankruptcy as GM vetoes China sale

10. HOT TICKET: SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS

A new musical play based on Arthur Ransome’s classic children’s tale of family adventures in the Lake District has opened in London. Tony award winner Tom Morris (War Horse) directs, with music and script by Neil Hannon and Helen Edmunson. The Observer calls it: “a triumph - a thing of beauty”. Vaudeville Theatre until 14 January.